Astrophytum capricorne var. crassispinum is a very beautiful variety
with striking strong flat and large spines up to 8.5 cm long.

Description: this variety
is very similar to A. capricorne v. niveum (and the differences
between this variety is questionable) A. capricorne var. crassispinum
is characterized by a sharp-ribbed body, the ribs are the same as A.
capricorne, but the stem is larger bright green and almost
bare (lack white dots)Ribs: 8 sharp with a reddish edge.

Spines: The 6-8 spines are striking strong and up to 8.5 cm long,
flat, black to brown in the youth, later grey-chalky. They are
noticeably stronger, larger and thicker than in the common A.
capricorne. Yellow spined plant are also common in
cultivationFlowers: The blossom have a reddish eye as in Astrophytum
capricorne var. niveum but pure sulphurous flowers are also mentioned .

'KIGAN' is a famous
Japanese cultivar of A. capricorne v. crassispinum (the name means
means 'monstrous')

NOTE: The name "crassispinus" is
however source for many confusions. And also frequently these plants are
mistaken with
Astrophytum capricorne
cv. crassispinoides which is very different and has
very thin and flexible white spines and pure yellow flowers.

Cultivation:Although regarded as a choice and
difficult plant in cultivation it is relatively easy to grow. Use
mineral well permeable substratum (rot prone). Water
sparingly from
March till October and keep perfectly dry in
winter
at temperatures from 5 to 15 degrees centigrade.
(but it is Hardy to -7°C for short periods) In
the rest period no high atmospheric humidity!!
Sun Exposure:
Light shade to full sun.

Astrophytum capricorne and its varieties are very variable in their
habit even in small areas. And it is understandable that today we often
have problems to decide to which population plants belong